Chapter 35
It was almost dawn, and the soft light of early morning barely filtered through the curtains.
Nicole was fast asleep in Gabriel’s arms, her breathing slow and steady, her face serene and untouched by the world.
Gabriel watched her with an intensity he couldn’t hide.
Every curve, every detail of her peaceful expression, seemed like a treasure he wanted to protect.
She looked ethereal, so soft and delicate, and yet she had given him the greatest gift he could ever imagine—her body.
Making love to Nicole in reality had surpassed every expectation he had ever held in his mind.
Every touch, every sigh, every whispered sound from her had been far more intoxicating than he had ever dreamed.
He marveled at the intimacy they shared, at how their souls seemed to connect through their bodies, even if the words they exchanged were few.
If only she knew, he thought, if only she could understand the depth of his feelings—the love that had grown beyond the boundaries of their contract, the wish to spend every remaining second of his life with her.
If only he could tell her, look into her eyes, and confess everything that had remained locked in his chest.
Gabriel let out a heavy sigh, his lips brushing the top of her head as he planted a gentle kiss there.
The softness of her hair, the warmth of her skin, the rhythm of her breathing—it all made him ache with a quiet longing.
“I love you, Nicole,” he whispered, voice husky, carrying a truth he hadn’t yet found the courage to speak while she was awake.
He lingered for a moment, letting the words settle in the silence of the room before finally allowing himself a few hours of much-needed rest.
Nicole woke slowly, the early sunlight spilling over the edge of the bed, painting golden streaks across the room.
A warmth bloomed inside her chest, an almost giddy happiness she hadn’t felt in a long time.
The remnants of a sweet dream clung to her—one where Gabriel had confessed his love, where they had lived a life together with three children, laughter filling the air.
The dream had been so real she almost wanted it to stretch forever.
Her body still tingled with the echoes of the night before.
She had experienced something beyond words, something that no other man had ever been able to give her.
She felt it in her muscles, in the lingering heat beneath the sheets, in the gentle soreness that reminded her of every movement, every touch, every tender moment they had shared.
She had been joined with him, not just in law and ceremony, but in flesh and intimacy. Every part of her had become his.
Last night was the most exquisite, intense experience of her life.
Gabriel had awakened sensations within her she had only fantasized about, touching parts of her that made her shiver in delight and craving.
She smiled softly to herself, as she gazed down at his sleeping form.
He looked so peaceful, the same serene expression he wore when he was unaware of the world, yet she wondered—did last night mean as much to him as it did to her?
Was it only just sex, passion, or did it carry something deeper in his heart?
Nicole decided not to dwell on those doubts. She would allow herself this happiness, this moment, without destroying it with uncertainty.
When they awoke properly the next morning, the world felt slow and indulgent around them.
They spent the day in bed, lingering between languid touches and quiet kisses.
Nicole was still tender from the night before, and Gabriel, attentive as ever, made sure she was comfortable, letting her dictate their day.
When she requested, he carried her to the bathroom, their skin brushing and hands entwined as he gently lowered her into a warm, fragrant bathtub.
Her pleas for him to join her were soft and teasing, but he did, and they shared the bath like lovers who were discovering one another anew.
Steam rose around them, curling in the morning light, highlighting the shimmer of their skin, and the quiet laughter and whispered words filled the space between them.
Nicole felt a sense of belonging, a completeness, that she hadn’t realized she had been craving.
By the next day, she was fully recovered, the aches replaced with a quiet satisfaction.
They explored the island together, wandering along the sun-dappled beaches, feeling the sand between their toes, and listening to the rhythmic pulse of the waves against the shore.
Picnics under palm trees, gentle swims in the turquoise waters, and long walks hand in hand—it was as though they had been allowed a glimpse of a perfect life, a real love they had only begun to explore.
She had the best time of her life during the honeymoon, causing her to wish that the experience would never come to an end.
Gabriel’s efforts to make her feel cherished, to treat her like a queen, did not go unnoticed.
Nicole basked in the attention, though a quiet ache tugged at her heart, wishing that his devotion came from love and not simply gratitude for her help.
Their time on the island seemed to vanish in a blink.
Two weeks passed in the haze of sun, sand, and stolen kisses.
Nicole felt a quiet sorrow as the reality settled in—this honeymoon, this idyllic escape, was ending.
The island, the mansion, the private moments with Gabriel—they were about to return to a life governed by contracts and responsibilities.
To be precise, this was the end of the road for them.
She couldn’t help but wonder what new suggestions Gabriel was going to come up with, and also, what fate lied ahead of her.
She couldn’t imagine the world without him now, and the thought weighed heavily on her heart.
God, she thought, this is too painful.
When they finally arrived at the airport, the routine of the outside world awaited them.
They entered the car, and the familiar hum of the city replaced the serene sounds of the island.
Nicole remained quiet during the drive, her eyes unconsciously following Gabriel’s every movement as he scrolled through his phone, not even glancing in her direction once.
The distance in his gaze made her chest ache.
He was no longer the man of the island during their honeymoon, playful and attentive, but the Gabriel of the office—the same man she met, who had signed the contract and carried the weight of responsibility with him.
As painful as it may seem, this was the Gabriel she fell in love with.
The contrast was stark, and it hurt more than she could express.
Nicole closed her eyes, pressing her face to the seat to stop herself from crying, feeling the last traces of the island’s serenity slip away.
She must have dozed off because the next thing she knew, someone’s hand was gently stroking her hair.
There was only one person besides her mom that woke her that way, and that person was Gabriel.
Her eyes fluttered open, and her guess was right, as Gabriel’s calm, familiar gaze met hers.
He was no longer on his phone. She looked at her surrounding and realized that they were still in the car. But, the car wasn’t moving.
“We’re home,” he said softly, noting her dazed expression.
Nicole blinked, trying to piece together when she had fallen asleep, the last haze of the island still clinging to her senses.
The chauffeur opened the car door, and as they stepped out, they were met with warmth and familiarity. Helen rushed forward, enveloping Nicole in a hug that radiated affection and reassurance. Gabriel’s parents, who were still at the mansion, smiled as they welcomed the newlyweds.
“I can already tell how beautiful your skin looks now… You have this certain glow. I’m sure you had a great time during your honeymoon if you know what I mean,” Helen said playfully, making Nicole’s cheeks flush a delicate pink.
Helen gave her son a warm hug, while Jacob did the same for Nicole, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek.
“Come on, honey. You’re going to tell me all about your honeymoon,” Helen said, taking Nicole’s hand and guiding her into the mansion. Nicole followed, her heart full of lingering sweetness, her mind replaying every precious moment of the past two weeks.
Nicole felt cocooned in a mix of warmth, love, and security. Even as the magic of their island escape faded into reality, she knew the connection they had forged—between laughter, whispered secrets, and intimate touches—would stay with her forever.